#JWLV Take a Walk Through the AGTA Gemfair Las Vegas #AGTAGemfairLasVegas

What an amazing array of gems gems gems....I will be taking a closer look at some of these vendors in the next few days, but I thought you might like to check out the place!

The AGTA Gemfair is part of the larger JCK Las Vegas Show - but it opens a day earlier...with that in mind...lets take a walk.....

I always enter to see my friends at Prima Gems USA

I couldn't believe how deep tthe color of this Rubellite was!

This carved starfish caught my eye on my way to check out Columbia Gem House....

Sustainable, Ethically Sourced Columbia Gem House

These Intarsia carved pieces were gorgeous

....a new company for me - but so much fun to talk to Krishaili Gems from New York....Radha is a delight and her brother is a wealth of information on the mining in Madagascar  

Just a couple of their fabulous Liddicoatite Slices

Just cruising down the aisle and saw this stunning display - that front gem is the size of my fist!!!

An AGTA post isn't complete with out a visit to John Dyer Gems 

....and the Trapiche KINGS at Mayer & Watt

Loved the cat's eye Siberian Jade!

There was beauty all around....

Looks like TAKAT Emeralds to me

One of the best surprises was seeing Lithographie in the Lobby in front of the show floor 

with their new "Diamond" book!

If I didn't use the name of your company with your photo please correct me in the comments....

#GemTalk "Secrets of the Gem Trade" the Revised , Expanded 2nd Edition #SecretsoftheGemTrade

It is always exciting when new information comes to ground - and if you are anything like me, you gobble it up!!!   ....and it seems there is new info every day!

I have three favorite go to references  - 1.) Mindat.org, 2.) Secrets of the Gem Trade by Richard Wise and 3.) my library of Walter Schumann, Renee Newman, Fred Ward & Antoinette Matlins books.  

So when I found out there was a new Revised 2nd Edition of "Secrets of the Gem Trade" I knew I needed to get my hands on it - WOW - am I glad I did!!!

Usually, a new edition comes out and you pull the old one off the shelf to replace it with the new one - but in this case....hold on to the old one, the info is still good (and the format is more conducive to travel - make it your gem show edition) and the new expanded 2nd Edition is almost entirely new!

The largely expanded 2nd edition of "Secrets of the Gem Trade" has been completely rewritten with major revisions.   This new 2nd edition is one third larger with 11 new chapters, 5 new introductory essays and more than  161 additional images. 

What's New?

 

Fabulous Feldspars:  offers an Introduction and well thought out Overview of the topic featuring two new chapters one on Moonstone (12) and one on Sunstone (13)

Blue White Diamonds:  Following an Introducton and Overview there are two new Chapters....Colorless Diamonds (18) and Golconda or Type IIa Diamonds (19)

This section shows off the extensive knowledge of the author on the topic - for those who don't already now it, Richard Wise is also the author of the "The French Blue" - if you are a history buff or lover of all things diamonds - Pick up a copy!!!!

In the Garnet Group the new Demantoid Garnet chapter is brilliant!

The World of Natural Pearls:  an entire section on NATURAL Pe arls with an Introduction and Overview and two new chapters....Natural Nacreous Pearls (24) and Conch Pearls (25).

A new chapter on Peridot (29) covers this gem from Biblical Times to today.
Jade, The Inscrutable Gem: a topic dear to the author's heart features an Introduction and Overview as well as a new chapter on that finest of Jades, Jadeite (34) I learned more from this single chapter than I've learned from some books.

In the Fancy and Colored Diamond section you will find a new Violet Diamonds (51) chapter.

Finishing up with Spinel - featuring an Introduction and Overview and two new chapters on Red Spinel (53) and Cobalt Blue Spinel (54).

....and remember there are 43 re written Chapters from the original edition.....like this gem!

This book is a must for jewelers, gemologists and laymen alike....YOU MUST GET YOUR HANDS ON A COPY!!!  Check out the author's website for more info and a free chapter to read....

http://secretsofthegemtrade.com 

BENCHMARK TO BE JEWELRY PARTNER FOR THE #KNOTDREAMWEDDING

From a Press Release

Photos via The Knot website

BENCHMARK ANNOUNCED AS EXCLUSIVE JEWELRY PARTNER 

FOR THE KNOT DREAM WEDDING

Benchmark, America’s favorite wedding ring manufacturer, is pleased to announce that it is the exclusive jewelry partner for The Knot Dream Wedding between 2015 WNBA MVP, Washington Mystics player and Olympic gold medalist Elena Delle Done and fiancé Amanda Clifton.

The Knot first broke the news earlier this year that the couple had been chosen to be the recipients of this year’s Dream Wedding. This will be the first same-sex couple to receive The Knot Dream Wedding.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Knot for The Knot Dream Wedding”, says A.J. Tosyali, President of Benchmark. “This wedding is so special. Not only have we always believed that ‘love is love’, but we immediately fell in love with Elena and Amanda as we started to create the perfect symbols for their wedding. Like most millennial couples they wanted some personalized elements, so each ring will have meaningful symbols, unique to the couple, incorporated into the design.

"We couldn’t be more delighted to bring Benchmark on as the exclusive jewelry partner for The Knot Dream Wedding,” says Jennifer Garrett, executive Vice President, National Enterprise, XO Group Inc. “As a symbol of commitment and devotion, we’re excited to see how Benchmark and their expert craftsmen bring Elana and Amanda’s love and unique personalities into the designs of their wedding bands.”

The promotion of the couple’s nuptials, featuring the Benchmark wedding rings, will begin mid-August 2017 and end mid-November. Final coverage will run in the Spring 2018 issue of The Knot. Benchmark will be prominently featured in a Sweepstakes, where one lucky entrant will win a Benchmark ring, a documentary video that will showcase the rings, as well as in social media posts.

About Benchmark: For over 40 years Benchmark, a U.S. based manufacturer of fine jewelry, has dedicated its attention and focus to designing and creating the best wedding rings in the world. Every surface, curve, edge and finish of a Benchmark ring has been meticulously planned and brought to life by master craftsmen striving for excellence in beauty and functionality from the drawing board through each step to the finished creation.   A Benchmark not only sets the standard for quality, but leads the industry in both design and fashion.

Benchmark rings can be found in the finest jewelry stores across the country. To view the extensive collections or to find a fine Benchmark jewelry retailer near you visit  www.benchmarkrings.com. 

Follow us on Instagram @benchmarkrings.

#JWLV Take A Walk Through #LUXURYbyJCK Part 2

Take a walk with me as I visit some of the fabulous companies that make up the LUXURY by JCK show.....

There are two large areas for LUXURY by JCK this year, the LUXURY and PRESTIGE floors, and way to much loveliness to fit in just one post....

First up - let's look at A& D Gem Corp., who's recent foray into the jewelry world, DVANI,  has (as far as I'm concerned) been a resounding success!

As you approach their booth (LUX-335) you see the fabulous displays showing off their work with celebrities, like Rihanna at the Met Ball!

Last year the Opal from DVANI was stellar and I have to say this year has followed suit.

I love the colored halos on these....

Opal isn't all they do - DVANI has an incredible line of Diamond and Colored Gem Jewelry.  One of the pieces I couldn't leave without a photo of was these darling, multi-gem, square cut, diamond ear climbers!!! 

DVANI/A & D Gem Corp.

LUX-335

Some of my other LUXURY favorites are....the "Drop Dead Gorgeous" Erica Courtney....

I really love this new delicate, flirty look...

....I've said it before and I'll say it again - Erica uses some of the most stunning pearls.

Erica Courtney Jewelry
https://www.ericacourtney.com/

Tara Pearls had the cutest critter pearls and stunning mismatched earrings!

Tara Pearl

Tara & Sons

LUX-601

LOOK FOR LUXURY PART 3  SOON....

#JWLV - LUXURY by JCK is LIVE and O M G!!! #WishYouWereHere

Omi Prive  (Booth LUX-916)- or should I say Alexandrite, Opal and Sapphire Central!!!

Stopped in to see Adam and let me tell you this current collection is incredible - but don't just take my word for it  - here you go....

Ruby, ruby, ruby,  will you be mine?

Incredible Cat's Eye Alexandrite and a Star Ruby with an Alexandrite Halo  

....and this is that Alexandrite Halo plugged in!

Next up on the O M G meter... Tanya Farah in Booth LUX-700

....and do you remember that fun Dog Fever line last year? ...now there is Cat Fever !

I am totally crushing on those cat ear bangles....

Much more Luxury coming....

#JWLV JCK Rocks The Bowl - Epic Send-Off Bash to Take Place at New Super Venue Brooklyn Bowl #JCKLasVegas

JCK's Epic Send-Off Bash to Take Place at New Super Venue Brooklyn Bowl

Chance for Retailers to Win Exclusive Prizes and Experiences

Who: Complimentary admission to all JCK, LUXURY and JIS attendees, vendors, and media badge holders who pick up a ticket.* What: JCK Rocks the Bowl, formerly known as JCK Rocks the Beach. This new experience celebrates the culminations of a week of business in Las Vegas. The impressive venue boasts something for everyone with a live music stage, plenty of lounge spaces, 6+ bars, JCK Sweet Shop, and 30+ bowling lanes. JCK will take over the entire space, creating a truly unique experiential environment. Exclusive private areas will be taken over by well-known industry association groups and their members, as well as, private bowling lanes for brands and sponsors including a considerable representation from title sponsor, EFFY. The tone will be set through the musical stylings of DJ Cory and acclaimed cover band Grooveline for a night of unrivaled revelry. DJ Cory is a crowd favorite, from spinning at the hottest international parties to hyping crowds for show tapings of "The Voice", "American Idol", "Dancing with the Stars" and many more. Cory is all about "keeping it live" and making sure you're having a good time. Grooveline is comprised of multi-talented musicians with performing experience ranging from Carnegie Hall to the White House. Where: The new Brooklyn Bowl at the LINQ, located in the open-air district in the center of the strip which features crowd favorites In-N-Out Burger and the modern High Roller 550 ft. observation wheel. When: Wednesday, June 7 2017 - 8:00 PM. Complimentary shuttle transportation will be provided from Mandalay Bay and the Delano lobbies beginning at 7:30pm and running every 15 minutes until 8:30pm. Shuttles will leave the Tropicana at 7:45pm and 8:00pm. Additionally, JCK will also provide shuttles for those attending the Jewelers for Children (JFC) Facet of Hope Dinner at 8:45pm and 9:00pm. Why: To kick back and unwind after a week of business and networking. To get the celebration started, JCK is announcing exclusive Retailer prizes: Three (3) grand prize winners will each get to bring 5 of their friends for the best night of their lives, including: one complimentary Wednesday night hotel room, 6 concert tickets, 60 drinks tickets and a $350 dining credit, private SUV pick up from their hotel to Brooklyn Bowl! Official information on entering can be found at jckonline.com/lasvegas/bowl. To enter Retailers are asked to post on social media showing their excitement for Vegas starting now using #JCKBound with a mention of #JCKRockstheBowl. 25 winners + 1 friend get access to a private party bus and 10 drink tickets to use once they arrive at the Bowl.  Retailers may enter in person at JCK and LUXURY Rocks the Bowl ticket counters on the show floor in Las Vegas. Free drink tickets will be handed out to the first 500 ticketed guests arriving at Brooklyn Bowl when doors open at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. Event sponsors include title sponsor EFFY and supporting sponsors Kallati, Lafonn, and Universal Fine Jewelry.  For more details on the JCK Rocks the Bowl visit: jckonline.com/lasvegas/bowl. *Must be 21+ to attend this event. Ticket required for entry; available for pick up Monday - Wednesday at the info counters located on the JCK, LUXURY and JIS Exchange show floors. Badge and photo ID required for pick-up.